Bastiat Free University is creating an alternative college learning system; cost appropriate distance learning customized by and for the individual. One day, if BFU does not continue to innovate and meet our college student's needs, we will be pushed out by an even better university level learning system.

Saturday, June 24, 2006

If You Don't Do school, What Do You Do?

From Unschooling.com: Generally, unschoolers are concerned with learning or becoming educated, not with 'doing school.'

I really find it hard to believe anyone wants to 'do school.'

Someone else may require you or want you to "do school," but is that the best choice for a quarter of your life?

By the time you are twelve years old you have been carefully taught. You are taught by your nation, your social group, and your family. You are taught a lot beyond the "fact" that everyone who looks different than you and thinks different than you is devious and not to be trusted. You are taught allegiance to a group and principles that you are not taught to understand.

If you are now over twelve it is time to wipe the slate clean.

Start with a fresh sheet of paper.

Open a new word processing document.

For your mind.

There is an order to the universe, your first task is to unlearn much of what you have assumed was fact. Half of you are already saying good - now they can discover what I know.

Sadly that attitude keeps you from learning.

I will give you one key, choice. Your life is up to you, your future can be a replay of your past and your families past, or you can start to envision a different future where reality, not forced perception, rules.

You do not have to give up your religion, just honestly challenge it. You do not have to move from your current country -  just be honest about its faults and direction. You do not need to abandon education - just seek learning and knowledge instead of 'doing school.'

Sunday, June 18, 2006

Blended Learning Applications

Those using open learning formats like Bastiat Free University can benefit from exposure to local formal education venues to create a self directed blended learning application.

Adult education and local community colleges offer courses where direct interaction with other students can increase your understanding of the materials. The forums at BFU offer some of the benefits - but not the same immediate and direct confrontation with divergent viewpoints.

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. - Proverbs 27:17

C. F. Bastiat had his friend and neighbor Felix Coudroy with whom to disagree. Without this interaction we might not have the clear and elegant works that Bastiat created.

If you have signed up at Bastiat Free University it is likely you have an independent mind. Find other independent minds around you to sharpen your insights, encourage them to read the same books that you are exploring.

You will gain from the interactions - and the greatest gain is to discover those areas that you thought were fact and were actually illusion. You can give the same help to your companions.

Develop a self directed blended learning application -- created by you for everyone's benefit.

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

An Opportunity For You

I have just received this in an e-mail from a Bastiat Free University student. It is important enough I wanted to share it with you.

"I have to congratulate you on Bastiat Free University. The website is so useful and when I begin to read the information available I´m inspired. You´re doing a great job with it! This website was how I was led to GDI and I´m glad that it did because I believe that this is an excellent opportunity."

One of the precepts on which Bastiat Free University was founded is that learning is more intense and useful if it is accompanied by an appropriate action.

For instance -- if you are considering going to a business school it would be most useful to start a business first. You will discover where your knowledge is limited - and be encouraged to take college courses or read books that fit your needs. The knowledge gained will be immediately useful - enhancing the learning experience.

If you have a passion - find a business that will allow you to pursue your passion, helping others appreciate what you love while providing you with fulfilling work.

Saturday, June 10, 2006

Almost There

The servers have been changed, the software updated, and you will soon have the ability to pay for your BFU education by credit card.

Of course you can still register and monitor your college courses for free -- so that Paypal option may not matter to you.

Your best bet if you do want a college degree is still to take each course and keep your records backed up at home. When you are ready to complete a class - turn in the whole of your work at once along with that small review fee - your only course expense besides books.

Head on over to the new Docebo LMS university entry page and look at the set up - the course list is just one of several improvements.